Three Men; One Perspective    

   Jesus (in the flesh) had been gone more than 10 years when James wrote his letter to "scattered" Jewish Christians, about A.D. 45-49. If Jesus hadn't visited his half-brother after the resurrection, and sent the Holy Spirit in his place, would James have bothered? 

   Jesus had been gone more than 25 years when Peter the disciple wrote his two letters to the "scattered," while intense persecution was underway. If Jesus hadn't visited the disciples after his resurrection, and sent the Holy Spirit, would Peter have dared to witness? 

   Jesus had been gone about 50 years when John, one of the gospel authors, wrote his letters and the "Revelation." Would John have troubled himself at the end of his life if he hadn't experienced the life, crucifixion and resurrection so many years before? 

   Each man wrote differently, but all agreed on numerous truths. James and Peter were martyred, and John was banished to a Greek island for opposing emperor worship. 

   All three wrote of truth, or walking in truth. They urged belief, and that we remain in belief.

   They wrote of judgment, corruption, pride and boasting, and false trust in gold and silver. They all said the world is hostile, evil and hates believers, who should not love it.  

   These men encouraged readers, telling them to bear up and to know that hope purifies. All three corrected errors, exposing false prophets who led people astray. Believers needed to live godly, righteously and in holy fellowship. 

   Faith accompanied by deeds, as the Lord commands, may lead to suffering, they agreed. They called for love of neighbor, deeply, of brothers and of one another. There are other themes they had in common, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. 

         Jimmy